THE AVAILABILITY OF ASSISTIVE

DEVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH

DISABILITIES

Survey in Namibia

Ilkka Pärmäkoski

Kari-Pekka Sirkka

Bachelor’s thesis

August 2012

Degree Programme in Physiotherapy

Tampere University of Applied

Sciences

ABSTRACT

Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu

Tampere University of Applied Sciences

Degree Programme in Physiotherapy

PÄRMÄKOSKI, ILKKA & SIRKKA, KARI-PEKKA:

The availability of assistive devices for people with disabilities

Survey in Namibia

Bachelor's thesis 59 pages, appendices 11 pages

August 2012

This bachelor’s thesis is a part of a development and co-operation process associated

with Finnish and Namibian municipalities Ondangwa, Lempäälä, Keetmanshoop and

Kangasala: Partnership for Local Democracy & Development and Social Innovation

(PLDDSI). The purpose of this study was to survey the Namibian legislation regarding

assistive devices for people with disabilities and how the legislation was implemented

in daily living. The objective of this study was to produce a written report for the thesis’

partner in co-operation, the municipality of Lempäälä, about the information gathered

through interviews and observations in Namibia. This information will be beneficial for

the future development work in Namibia.

The basic method that was used in this study was theme interviews. The interviews

were analyzed using qualitative methods of research. The process started in the fall of

2011 by data acquisition, and the field work in Namibia occurred in the spring of 2012.

During the field work we interviewed different groups of professionals that were associ-

ated with assistive devices in Namibia.

Based on our research it is clear that the implementation of the legislation about assis-

tive devices does not function properly in practice. The problems occur in various areas,

for example in the availability of wheelchairs and in the number of maintenance ser-

vices for assistive devices. The situation with children’s assistive devices is clearly the

worst. The problems are partly a result from the centralization of the services to the cap-

ital city, and because of the difficulties in co-operation between the government, regions

and municipalities. This hinders the chances for people with disabilities to have an ac-

tive role in society.

Namibia will benefit from a local company that would be manufacturing and repairing

wheelchairs. In the northern region of Oshakati there is a Norwegian funded Local Re-

habilitation Workshop (Lorewo) that is manufacturing wheelchairs, but its supply does

not cover whole Namibia’s demand. A local wheelchair company would create jobs for

Namibians and it would make it possible to design wheelchairs that are specifically

made to function in Namibian environment. The implementation of the legislation must

also be developed and more financial resources should be arranged for it. However,

Namibia has been independent only for twenty-two years, and the development of a

nation, including the implementation of legislations, is a long and slow process.

Key words: assistive device, disability, legislation, Namibia, wheelchair

3

TIIVISTELMÄ

Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu

Fysioterapian koulutusohjelma

PÄRMÄKOSKI, ILKKA & SIRKKA, KARI-PEKKA:

Apuvälineiden saatavuus vammaisille ihmisille

Tutkimus Namibiassa

Opinnäytetyö 59 sivua, joista liitteitä 11 sivua

Elokuu 2012

Opinnäytetyössä tutkittiin apuvälinepalveluiden saatavuutta Namibiassa. Työn tavoit-

teena oli selvittää, kuinka hyvin lainsäädäntö toteutuu vammaisten ihmisten apuvälinei-

den saatavuuden osalta käytännössä. Tarkoituksena oli tehdä Lempäälän kunnalle kirjal-

linen raportti haastattelu- ja havainnointityön pohjalta, mikä auttaisi jatkossa kehittä-

mään apuvälinepalveluita Namibiassa.

Opinnäytetyöprojekti sai alkunsa Namibian ja Suomen ystävyyskuntien (Ondangwa,

Lempäälä, Keetmanshoop, Kangasala) pitkään jatkuneesta yhteistyöstä. Projekti alkoi

syksyllä 2011 ja tutkimustyö Namibiassa ajoittui keväälle 2012. Kolmen viikon matkan

aikana tietoa kerättiin haastattelemalla eri ammattiryhmien edustajia, jotka ovat vastuus-

sa apuvälinepalveluiden toteutumisesta sekä näiden palveluiden käyttäjiä. Haastattelut

toteutettiin teemahaastattelumenetelmällä, ja ne analysoitiin kvalitatiivisen tutkimuksen

periaatteita noudattaen.

Tulosten pohjalta voidaan todeta, että Namibian apuvälinelainsäädäntö on hyvä, mutta

kaipaa uudistusta. Lainsäädännön käytännön toteutumisessa on erilaisia ongelmia. Näitä

ongelmia ovat muun muassa pyörätuolien heikko saatavuus ja apuvälineiden huoltopal-

veluiden riittämättömyys. Tilanne on erityisen heikko lasten apuvälineiden osalta. Nämä

ongelmat johtuvat osittain palveluiden ja päätäntävallan keskittymisestä pääkaupungin

alueelle. Tämä tekee kuntien, läänien ja ministeriön välisestä yhteistyöstä haasteellista.

Tällöin maaseudulla ja syrjemmässä asuvat namibialaiset jäävät helposti apuvälinepal-

veluiden ulkopuolelle, mikä yhdessä köyhyyden kanssa vaikeuttaa vammaisten ihmisten

tasa-arvoista osallistumista yhteisön toimintaan.

Namibiassa on tarvetta pyörätuoleja valmistavalle ja huoltavalle yritykselle. Norjalaisen

kehitysyhteistyön aikaansaama ja rahoittama Lorewo-projekti valmistaa pyörätuoleja

Namibian pohjoisosassa, mutta sen toiminta on suhteellisen pientä verrattuna koko

maan tarpeeseen. Uusi pyörätuoliyritys loisi työpaikkoja ja mahdollistaisi pyörätuolien

suunnittelun varta vasten Namibian ympäristöön soveltuviksi. Apuvälinelainsäädännön

toimeenpanoon tarvitaan myös lisää taloudellisia resursseja. Toisaalta Namibia on vielä

nuori valtio, joten lakien toimeenpaneminen, kuten muutkin asiat kansakuntaa rakennet-

taessa, vievät oman aikansa.

Asiasanat: apuväline, lainsäädäntö, Namibia, pyörätuoli, vammaisuus

4

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................... 5

1.1 The background of the study................................................................................ 6

1.2 The aim of the study ............................................................................................ 6

1.3 Methods and research tools of the study .............................................................. 7

1.4 The themes for the research questions ................................................................. 9

2 NAMIBIA.................................................................................................................. 10

2.1 Facts about Namibia .......................................................................................... 10

2.2 The relationship between Namibia and Finland ................................................ 12

2.3 People with disabilities in Namibia ................................................................... 13

3 POLICIES GUIDING THE AVAILABILITY OF ASSISTIVE DEVICES IN

NAMIBIA.................................................................................................................. 15

3.1 National Disability Policy in Namibia (1997) ................................................... 15

3.2 National Disability Council Act (2004) ............................................................. 16

3.3 Motor Vehicle Accident Fund Act (2007) ......................................................... 18

4 RESULTS .................................................................................................................. 19

4.1 The legislation and its implementation .............................................................. 19

4.2 The availability of technical devices.................................................................. 21

4.3 The quality of assistive devices ......................................................................... 23

4.4 The equality between different groups of disabled people considering the

availability of assistive devices .......................................................................... 25

4.5 The professionals working with assistive devices ............................................. 27

4.6 Other matters that came out during the interviews ............................................ 29

5 CONCLUSIONS ....................................................................................................... 31

6 RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................................................................... 35

7 DISCUSSION............................................................................................................ 40

REFERENCES ................................................................................................................ 46

APPENDICES................................................................................................................. 49

Appendix 1. Interviewed professionals ..................................................................... 49

Appendix 2. Covering letter for the interviewee ....................................................... 50

Appendix 3. Theme interview plan ........................................................................... 51

5

1 INTRODUCTION

’’ The only disability in life is a bad attitude’’ –Scott Hamilton

An assistive device enables versatile activities and therefore increases the participation,

independence and independent initiative of a person. For some people the assistive de-

vice makes it possible to meet certain tasks that were previously impossible for them.

Furthermore, the use of an assistive device simplifies the work of the people tending the

person with disabilities (Salminen 2010, 17.)

Personal mobility is an essential requirement to participating in many areas of social

life. It is also a precondition for enjoying human rights and living in dignity. It also as-

sists people with disabilities to become more productive members of their communities.

For many people, an appropriate, well-designed and well-fitted wheelchair can be the

first step towards inclusion and participation in society (WHO 2008, 7.)

The World Health Organization (2008) also states that ‘’when the need is not met, peo-

ple with disabilities are isolated and do not have access to the same opportunities as

others within their own communities’’. The provision of assistive devices, such as

wheelchairs that are suitable and fit for the purpose, not only improve the mobility but

also open up a world of education, work and social life. The essential next steps would

be developing the national policies and increasing the opportunities of training in the

design, manufacturing and supplying of assistive devices (WHO 2008, 7.)

This thesis was initiated by Tuula Petäkoski-Hult and Timo Palander, who are working

in the Ondangwa-Lempäälä-Keetmanshoop-Kangasala – Partnership for Local Democ-

racy & Development and Social Innovation (PLDDSI). Their contribution to this work

has been considerable. They have provided us the necessary background information

and the possibility to travel to Namibia to carry out the studies for this thesis.

The aim of this co-operation was to produce a report for the PLDDSI on the availability

of assistive devices for people with disabilities in Namibia. The aim was also to produce

information for future development work to build up more effective way to deliver as-

sistive devices for adults and children with disabilities in Namibia.

6

1.1 The background of the study

In 2007, two Finnish and two Namibian municipalities started a partnership called

Ondangwa-Lempäälä-Keetmanshop-Kangasala – Partnership for Local Democracy &

Development and Social Innovation (PLDDSI). This collaboration is funded by the

North-South Local Government Co-operation programme coordinated by the Associa-

tion of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities.

The Programme objectives have been harmonized with the official multi-

dimensional general objectives of development co-operation policy, the most

significant of which are the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and

gender equality. In ten years over 15 Finnish municipalities have joined in the

Programme (Local and regional government Finland, 2012.)

This survey is a part of the development and co-operation process associated with this

partnership. This study was initiated by Tuula Petäkoski-Hult, who contacted the De-

gree Programme in Physiotherapy in Tampere University of Applied Sciences. The pro-

cess started in the fall of 2011 by data acquisition, and the field work in Namibia oc-

curred in the spring of 2012.

1.2 The aim of the study

The purpose of this study is to survey Namibia’s legislation regarding assistive devices

for people with disabilities and how the legislation is implemented in daily living. The

objective of this study is to produce information for future development work to build

up more effective way to deliver assistive devices for adults and children with disabili-

ties. This information will be written in a report that will be handed out to PLDDSI.

Earlier studies and the conversations with Timo Palander and Tuula Petäkoski-Hult

(2011) indicate that the legislation concerning the assistive devices for people with dis-

abilities in Namibia does not function properly in practice. ‘’If the aim is to support dis-

abled people to be active actors in the society there is a need to develop the possibilities

to get suitable and usable technical devices for all.’’ (Petäkoski-Hult 2011, 15).

7

Previous studies also indicate that the social services for people with disabilities are not

qualified comparing with the legislation of Namibia. There is a lack of awareness con-

cerning assistive devices. Furthermore there are different kinds of problems with the

availability of proper and suitable assistive devices for people with disabilities

(Petäkoski-Hult 2011, 15.)

Based on the background studies and discussions with Tuula Petäkoski-Hult, we found

out that there are no education possibilities in the area of physiotherapy in Namibia. The

nearest country where physiotherapists are educated is South Africa and most of the

graduating physiotherapists get employed there. It is also known that there are not any

industrial companies manufacturing wheelchairs or other assistive devices in South-

Africa or Namibia.

One study about the number of people with disabilities in Karas region, Namibia has

been made in 2011. Lindsay Harris from Disability Resource Centre, Keetmanshoop,

gathered information in Karas region about the number of people with disabilities there

and how many of them needed walking aids. However, there were some problems in

contacting all the people with disabilities in that region. The study doesn’t also tell how

many people, who need the walking aid, actually have one (Harris 2011.)

In 1999 the Norwegian research organization Sintef started a workshop for manufactur-

ing and repairing wheelchairs in Oshakati. The workshop provides employment for

people with disabilities, and their work contribution benefits other people with disabili-

ties in Namibia. Furthermore, Sintef has made various studies concerning people with

disabilities in Namibia, such as the survey of the living conditions of people with disa-

bilities in Namibia in 2003, and a study about children with mobility limitations in

2006. Sintef also held a conference with the Namibian Ministry of Health and Social

Services about the Provision of wheelchairs in Namibia in 2008.

1.3 Methods and research tools of the study

This study is a qualitative study, and the primary data collection method that was used

was theme interviewing. The advantage of the name ‘theme interview’ is that it does not

bind an interview into a certain class, qualitative or quantitative, and it does not take a

8

stance on the number of interviews or how ‘’deep’’ the processing of the theme goes.

Instead the name tells what is most important in the interview, the fact that instead of

detailed questions the interview proceeds through central themes. This will release the

interviewer from the point of view of the researcher and brings out the voice of the in-

terviewees. Theme interview considers the fact that the peoples’ interpretations of mat-

ters and the meanings of matters are central, as well as which meanings arise in interac-

tion. (Hirsjärvi & Hurme 2009, 48.)

Before the journey to Namibia we studied the legislation about the rights of people with

disabilities and previous researches. We also felt that it was important to study the Finn-

ish legislation about assistive devices and how these services are organized in Finland

so that we could compare the differences between these countries. The doctoral thesis of

Tuula Petäkoski-Hult; ‘’Vammaisten apuvälineiden hankintaprosessi, vaikutukset ja

kustannukset (1995)’’ was a good introduction for us in this matter.

In Namibia, the methods of the study were field observations and interviews of the key

persons. The interviews were carried out in Namibia during three weeks at the turn of

February and March 2012. The interviews took place in Keetmanshoop, Oshakati,

Onandjokwe, Ondangwa, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Windhoek. The total number

of interviews was 23, and the total number of interviewees was 35. Although the inter-

viewees represented many different professions (appendix 1), all of them had important

information and perspectives about the topic. The interviewees were chosen beforehand

by Timo Palander and Tuula Petäkoski-Hult, and the interviews were coordinated in co-

operation with the Polytechnic of Namibia. Some of the interviews we organized our-

selves based on the proposals of other interviewees. A covering letter about this study

(appendix 2) was presented to the interviewee before the interview.

All the interviews were recorded and analyzed carefully. The data was categorized by

the professions that the interviewees represented, and further by the themes of the sur-

vey. Because this is not a statistical study, all the results are qualitative and interviews

are reported without any names. In the interviews all participants have answered as ex-

perts of their own topic and work.

9

1.4 The themes for the research questions

The interviews proceeded through themes that were selected beforehand and they were

complemented with specified questions as Tuomi & Sarajärvi (2009, 75) guide. The

questions for the interviews (appendix 3) were based on the following themes:

1. The legislation of Namibia concerning assistive devices for people with disabilities

and its implementation in practice

2. The availability of assistive devices

3. The quality of assistive devices for people with disabilities

4. The equality between different groups of people with disabilities concerning the

availability of assistive devices

5. The number of professionals working with assistive devices

6. Other matters that may come out during the interviews

10

2 NAMIBIA

Finland’s relationship with Namibia has been longer than with any other country in Af-

rica. It began when the first Finnish missionaries arrived in Namibia in 1869, and it has

transformed from development co-operation into a business, tourism and institutional

co-operation. Therefore it is also the closest country to Finnish people in Africa. Finland

is also well known to Namibians, mainly because of Martti Ahtisaari and his contribu-

tion in the formation of independent Republic of Namibia.

2.1 Facts about Namibia

On 21 of March 1990 Namibia adopted a new flag (photo 1), as it gained its independ-

ence (Flags of the World 2011). The Republic of Namibia (previously known as South

West Africa) is situated in the south Atlantic coast of Africa (photo 2). Its neighbouring

countries are South Africa in the south, Angola and Zambia in the north and Botswana

and Zimbabwe in the east. Namibia’s total surface area is 824,292 km², making it the

34th

largest country in the world (Government of Namibia, 2012.)

PHOTO 1: Flag of Namibia (Flags of the World, 2011)

In 2010 Namibia’s population was 2 128 471 inhabitants (Ministry for Foreign Affairs

of Finland, 2012). The country consists of 13 regions: the Caprivi, Kavango, Kunene,

Omusati, Ohangwena, Oshana and Oshikoto regions in the north, the Omaheke. Otjo-

zondjupa, Erongo and Khomas regions in the central areas and the Hardap and Karas

regions in the south. The capital of Namibia, Windhoek, is situated in Khomas region

(Government of Namibia, 2012.)

11

Namibia is one of the most advanced countries of Sahara’s south sided Africa. It is clas-

sified in the United Nations’ development program into middle income countries. Na-

mibia’s history and social conditions has been shaped by the country’s political location

between the apartheid-policy in South Africa and the long guerrilla war in Angola

(Sitari 2004, 11.)

PHOTO 2: Map of Namibia (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations,

2002)

Despite the country’s rapid urbanisation, Namibia is still mainly a rural society with

33% of the population living in urban areas. Regional population densities have great

variations with almost two-thirds of the population living in the four northern regions

and less than one tenth of the population living in the two southern regions (Govern-

ment of Namibia, 2012.)

More than half of the Namibians earn their livelihood from agriculture that focuses on

cattle breeding. The most important industry is mining: natural resources of Namibia

include uranium, diamonds as well as nonferrous metals and precious metals. Diamonds

12

have been quarried in Namibia for decades, and today they are the country’s most im-

portant export. Other exports come from agriculture (cattle, pelts of karakul-sheep and

meat) and from fishing industry. The coastal waters of Namibia are considered to have

more fish than in any other waters in the world. (Wienecke-Janz 2008, 213.)

2.2 The relationship between Namibia and Finland

As was said before, Finland and Namibia have a long relationship that started in the

year 1869 when the first Finnish missionaries arrived to Namibia. The effects of the

mission are seen to this day by the formation of the Evangelical-Lutheran church, the

development of health care and education in the north where the largest ethnical group

ovambo’s learned Finnish and were named with Finnish names. Finland also helped

Namibia with its independence and the role of Finland’s former president Martti

Ahtisaari was significant in the realization of the independence plan. Namibia was one

of Finland’s largest countries for development co-operation in the 1990’s. Finland was

one of the first countries to consummate diplomatic relations with Namibia in the year

1990 (Embassy of Finland, 2012.)

The relationship between Finland and Namibia is trouble-free. Finland is constantly

mentioned as a country that has supported Namibia in its struggle in independency and

helped in many ways in building the young nation after its independency. The relations

between Finland and Namibia are broad and multifaceted and the interaction is busy in

many areas such as culture, science, education, churches and municipalities (Embassy

of Finland, 2012.)

The trade between Finland and Namibia is still relatively small, but it has seen rapid

growth over the past few years, especially the import of Namibian meat to Finland has

grown fast. Finland’s export to Namibia consists mainly from machinery and electron-

ics, but the export has potential in expanding to mining, energy and logistical branches

(Embassy of Finland, 2012.)

13

2.3 People with disabilities in Namibia

World Health Organization (2012) has defined the meaning of the word disability in the

following manner:

Disabilities is an umbrella term, covering impairments, activity limitations, and

participation restrictions. An impairment is a problem in body function or struc-

ture; an activity limitation is a difficulty encountered by an individual in execut-

ing a task or action; while a participation restriction is a problem experienced by

an individual in involvement in life situations. Thus disability is a complex phe-

nomenon, reflecting an interaction between features of a person’s body and fea-

tures of the society in which he or she lives (WHO, 2012.)

The 2001 Namibia Population and Housing Census, undertaken by the National Plan-

ning Commission, has listed the number of people with disabilities living in the country.

In the following (table 1) is presented the number of people with disabilities in Namibia

and the types of disability they have.

TABLE 1. Types of disability in Namibia (National Planning Commission 2001, 29).

Type of disability Number

Total Female Male

Blind 29 949 16 688 13 261

Deaf 18 313 9 590 8 723

Impaired Speech 9 756 4 778 4 978

Impairment of Hands 11 659 5 615 6 044

Impairment of Legs 20 560 9 890 10 670

Mental disability 4 782 2 316 2 466

Other 4 562 2 440 2 122

Not stated 14 673 7 479 7 194

Total* 85 567 43 966 41 601

Note: * The total is the number of persons with a disability. This is not the total

in the column as some persons have multiple disabilities

As can be seen from table 1 (National Planning Commission 2001, 29), there were

85 567 people with disabilities in Namibia during the 2001 census. Figure 1 (National

Planning Commission 2001, 29) shows the distribution of people with disabilities be-

14

tween urban and rural areas. It shows clearly how the majority of people with disabili-

ties live in the rural areas.

FIGURE 1. The distribution of people with disabilities in Namibia between urban and

rural areas (National Planning Commission 2001, modified, 29).

15

3 POLICIES GUIDING THE AVAILABILITY OF ASSISTIVE DEVICES IN

NAMIBIA

There are several policies that guide the availability of assistive devices in Namibia.

According to the Namibian Disability Council Act (2004), all the people with disabili-

ties should have full access to rehabilitation, assistive devices and orthopaedic technical

services within their communities. This is a part of the Community-Based Rehabilita-

tion programme. The people’s families, where possible, will be informed and involved

in these rehabilitation programmes (Promulgation of National Disability Council Act

2004, 17.)

3.1 National Disability Policy in Namibia (1997)

This policy was not available for us at an original form. Therefore the policy was read

from Disability Policy Audit in Namibia, Swaziland, Malawi and Mozambique (2008).

It was written by The Leonard Cheshire Disability and Inclusive Development Centre,

University College London, and commissioned by Southern African Federation of the

Disabled’s DFID-funded Research Programme.

The National Disability Policy (1997) states that “disability issues are inherently linked

to the advancement of human rights and inextricably linked to human development’’.

The main principles in this policy are: the equalization of opportunities, inclusion and

integration.

In contrast, a human rights and development approach to disability would face a

better chance of creating equal opportunities. This is the process through which

the various systems of society and the environment are made available and ac-

cessible to all citizens. As part of the process of equal opportunities, provision

should be made to assist them to assume a more complete responsibility as

members of society. The principle of equal rights implies that the needs of each

and every individual are of equal importance, and that those needs must be made

the basis when planning and making policies. Moreover people with disabilities

are a natural and integral part of society and in the interest of society as a whole,

should have equal opportunities to contribute their experience, talents and capa-

bilities to national and international development (The Leonard Cheshire Disa-

bility and Inclusive Development Centre 2008, 30-31).

16

To achieve these objectives, the National Disability Policy (1997) underlines these

tasks:

- ‘’To prevent or reduce the occurrence of physical, intellectual, psychical, or sensory

impairments and permanent functional limitation or disability’’

- ‘’To assist and support persons with disabilities to reach and maintain their optimal

human potential’’

- ‘’To make the various systems of society and the environment, such as services,

activities, information and documentation available and accessible to all citizens in

formats that they can understand. For example, Braille for blind people and sign

language for deaf people who use this form of communication’’ (Disability Policy

Audit 2008, 31.)

As for the implementation of this policy, the National Disability Policy (1997) states

that:

The Government shall strengthen the coordination, co-operation and communi-

cation amongst all governmental and non-governmental bodies dealing with

health, education, vocational training, employment, social services and other rel-

evant areas in society; the aim is to ensure a general development towards the

equalization of opportunity for people with disabilities in Namibia. Links and

coordinating procedures have been established between various bodies, depart-

ments, regional and local authorities, families and voluntary organizations. The

Government acknowledges the advisory role of representatives of and for people

with disabilities as invaluable in the planning and implementation and evalua-

tion of services; and in the programmes and strategies relevant to the needs and

lives of disabled people (Disability Policy Audit 2008, 33.)

3.2 National Disability Council Act (2004)

This act is made for the establishment of a National Disability Council. It provides the

functions, powers and composition of the Council. The Council consists total of 13

members and a member of the Council holds office for a period of three years. Seven

members are nominated by organizations of persons with disabilities, and they should

include a broad range of different impairments. One representative from employers

working in the private sector, three representatives whose duties relate to rehabilitation,

integration or education of persons with disabilities, one member representing the trade

17

unions and one member who has special knowledge of, or interest in disability or any

issues relating to disability. A majority of the members of the Council must be persons

with disabilities (The Promulgation of National Disability Council Act 2004, 4, 5.)

The council shall:

- ‘’Monitor the implementation of the National Policy on Disability’’

- ‘’Identify provisions of any existing legislation that may hinder the implementation

of the National Policy’’

- ‘’Comment on proposed legislation that may affect persons with disabilities in any

manner’’

- ‘’Consult with disabled people's organizations and other disability service providers

regarding the implementation of the National Policy’’

- ‘’Initiate amendments to the National Policy on Disability in order to ensure that it

takes account of changing circumstances’’

- ‘’In general take all necessary steps in order to improve the situations of persons

with disability in Namibia’’ (The Promulgation of National Disability Council Act

2004, 3.)

The council has power to make recommendations for the amendment of any law. The

Council may gather information regarding persons with disabilities in Namibia or “any

information that the Council may require in order to perform any function or exercise

any power under this Act’’ (The Promulgation of National Disability Council Act 2004,

4, 8, 9.)

The Council shall hold at least two meetings every year. At the end of each financial

year each government ministry must submit a report on the implementation of the Na-

tional Policy on Disability to the Council. The Council will then submit a report to the

Minister that contains the reports from all the Ministries and a report on the activities of

the Council during the year concerned (The Promulgation of National Disability Coun-

cil Act 2004, 6, 11.)

18

3.3 Motor Vehicle Accident Fund Act (2007)

The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund Act (2007) is made ‘’for the establishment, admini-

stration and management of the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund as an administrative body

to provide assistance and benefits to persons injured in motor vehicle accidents and to

dependents of persons killed in such accidents; and to provide for incidental matters’’

(The Promulgation of Motor Vehicle Accident Fund Act 2007, 2).

The money of the Fund consists primarily of money derived from the fund established

under the Petroleum Products and Energy Act (1990) (The Promulgation of Motor Ve-

hicle Accident Fund Act 2007, 7). This basically means that each time petroleum prod-

uct is bought, a small amount from the payment goes to the fund.

This Act entitles benefits for a person who has ‘’suffered loss or damage as a result of

injury to himself or herself, or as a result of the death or injury of any person, in either

case caused by or arising out of the driving of a motor vehicle by any person, including

the person himself or herself, in Namibia’’ The Fund will cover the costs of medical

treatment, injury management, rehabilitation and life enhancement up to 1 500 000 N$,

that is about 151 000 € (The Promulgation of Motor Vehicle Accident Fund Act 2007,

15.)

19

4 RESULTS

The results of the interviews are presented in the next chapters. The results are divided

by the themes that were used during the interviews. Also, the different groups of profes-

sionals that were interviewed are separated into six groups: the representatives of the

ministry, the councillors, the doctors, physio- and occupational therapists and rehabilita-

tion workers, professionals working with assistive devices in the private sector and the

others. Also the answers from the representatives of Motor Vehicle Accident Fund are

processed as an own group.

4.1 The legislation and its implementation

All answerers from the ministry were not fully satisfied with the present legislation.

One proposal of development to the legislation was to make all buildings accessible for

wheelchair users; it should be made mandatory under the penalty of a fine. All answer-

ers felt that the implementation of the legislation is problematic. This is because of the

long distances between towns and municipalities. The knowledge and information do

not reach all people, especially in the rural areas. The services for people with disabili-

ties are centralized mainly to Windhoek, and the people in rural areas have difficulties

reaching these services. The accessibility with wheelchairs is also best in Windhoek and

worst in the rural areas. The co-operation between regions and ministries is also some-

thing that needs development. The development of the implementation needs regional

operation and local supervision.

‘’It’s good that we have a policy but then there are challenges in terms of

implementation. And those challenges are when we talk to people when

they go out is the distance to the facility where they need to get, because

these services are mostly centralized.’’ (Representative of the ministry 1)

‘’The current system is in its place… it is sufficient on a national level,

and what is now needed is more in terms of regional setups, especially set-

ting up regional offices so that we are able to monitor disability at region-

al level.’’ (Representative of the ministry 2)

20

‘’We have buildings that are not accessible to people with disabilities…

So we have a challenge whereby physical buildings in this country, some

of them if not 60%, are not accessible and nothing is done about it… so we

want to put in a some part in the act if the building is not accessible after

this period of time that we will give you, and there’s still nothing done, we

can summon you to appear before the council or perhaps you can be

fined.’’ (Representative of the ministry 3)

At the moment there are no statistics available about people with disabilities, but Na-

tional Disability Council is developing a database about these people. The lack of

money is also seen as a problem in the implementation. One of the ministers would like

to monitor more closely the use of money in the regions; is enough money used in the

purchase of assistive devices such as wheelchairs.

According to the representatives of the councillors, the implementation of the legisla-

tion is a challenge, especially in the rural areas. People do not necessarily know about

their rights and what services they are entitled to. Also most of the services for people

with disabilities are centralized in Windhoek.

All the answerers from the representatives of the doctors did not want to comment on

this topic because they felt that they did not have enough knowledge about the legisla-

tion. The legislation needs a few changes, such as the rights of the patients should be

emphasized more. The first step on the implementation has been taken (the formation of

the National Disability Council) but the process must have a continuum. Other opinions

that came out during the interviews were that there are not enough professionals, not

enough technical skills and knowledge of assistive devices and not enough money. This

is why the implementation of the legislation is not sufficient.

‘’Maybe if the council members were from different regions... the council

represents Namibia and not just Windhoek... If there’s a person, for in-

stance from Keetmanshoop, he can make follow up there with the hospitals

in the south.’’ (Doctor 4)

Physio- and occupational therapists and rehabilitation workers were not familiar with

the legislation. Therefore they did not want to comment on this subject.

21

Professionals working with assistive devices in private sector mentioned that the im-

plementation of the legislation is quite good, but it still needs some development. One

idea of development was that the transportation services for people with disabilities and

for their assistive devices should be included in the legislation. This would improve the

accessibility to various services and treatment, especially for people living outside of

Windhoek. What was also mentioned was that the ministry’s budget for assistive de-

vices is too low. The budget is based on the price level of the year 1994 and today the

prices, for example wheelchairs, are double.

In the discussions with the other answerers the implementation of the legislation was

not seen as good as it should be. However, it was also seen that some steps forward had

been taken, for example the formation of the National Disability Council. Some an-

swerers stated that the implementation does not happen adequately in the rural areas.

Some answerers felt that the accessibility for wheelchair users is not on a good level but

one answerer stated that all new buildings are accessible nowadays. One point of view

was also that some people with disabilities have still a lack in basic needs, such as toler-

able living conditions. These necessities should be dealt with before Namibia can pro-

gress with other matters.

‘’The enforcement of any laws and legislations in this country is not strong, it’s

not so good.’’ (Other answerer 1)

4.2 The availability of technical devices

The opinion of the representatives of the ministry is that there are not enough assistive

devices for people with disabilities. This is because of the lack of funding, the high

price of these devices and the slow delivery process. The wheelchairs are ordered

abroad, usually from South-Africa, and the delivery process in Namibia is also compli-

cated and slow. There are some workshops in Namibia but these services cannot reach

all people. Also because the government cannot offer everyone a suitable wheelchair,

some people receive donated wheelchairs from abroad.

The councillors state that most of the services are centralized in Windhoek. Because of

the lack of knowledge, many people do not know of the services they are entitled for.

22

The ministry of health makes a list of the people in need of a wheelchair, and the people

get their wheelchairs when there are chairs to be given, whether they are bought or do-

nated.

According to the doctors the availability of assistive devices is a problem. One reason

for this might be that in some regions there are no physio- or occupational therapists

available who would know how to ask the government money for assistive devices.

Getting a wheelchair might last months, years and sometimes it may be impossible. In

private sector the process is faster. The process of acquiring a wheelchair is not stan-

dardized well. Some of the chairs are bought, some are donated and some are made lo-

cally. If a person needs the wheelchair temporarily, he or she pays a deposit. If a person

needs the wheelchair for the rest of his or her life, then the wheelchair is given to him or

her. Some people, who have the wheelchair on loan from the state, may not necessarily

return the wheelchair back when they do not need it anymore and this is a problem.

‘’There is no physiotherapist in the region or an occupational therapist

who can ask for budget to acquire new wheelchairs.’’ (Doctor 4)

Physio- and occupational therapists and rehabilitation workers mentioned that the avail-

ability differs between regions. Windhoek has the best situation while regions in the

north and south have some problems. This also affects the waiting times; In Windhoek

you might have a wheelchair instantly, while in the north or south you might have to

wait for it even for years. There are workshops, such as Lorewo in Oshakati region

where you can purchase a wheelchair if you have money. Some people receive donated

wheelchairs.

‘’Maybe for three or four years now we have got serious problems with

wheelchairs... We have a problem of getting wheelchairs, sometimes due

to budget constraint... We want to help those people but the budget doesn’t

really allow us to tend all their needs.’’ (Physio- and occupational thera-

pists and rehabilitation workers 3)

Professionals working with assistive devices in private sector commented that in the

private sector the delivery process of wheelchairs is quite fast, given that you can afford

23

to purchase the wheelchair from a private company. The state cannot provide a wheel-

chair that fast.

The representatives of Motor Vehicle Accident Fund spoke about the availability from

The MVA’s point of view. The MVA covers the costs of about twenty wheelchairs per

year. All the clients do not need a permanent wheelchair. When a new wheelchair is

provided, the client is requested to return the old one for that it can be donated to the

state. There have also been some clients that have rather borrowed their own wheelchair

to some other person for a cost and stayed in bed.

The other answerers stated that getting a wheelchair for your needs is a difficult process.

It might take even years to have one. The government will usually provide a wheelchair

and the user pays a nominal fee. The amount of the fee varied between interviewees, the

average amount being 50 N$. The donators and sponsors play also a huge part in the

availability of wheelchairs.

4.3 The quality of assistive devices

The representatives of the ministry mentioned that in the hospitals there are orthopaedic

departments that evaluate the need for a wheelchair and measure the patient. After that

the patient receives the wheelchair. Broken down wheelchairs are repaired in the hospi-

tals’ workshops. There are currently no companies that would provide repair services

for wheelchairs.

The councillors felt that the quality of assistive devices is not sufficient. This situation

stands out especially with the donated wheelchairs.

One answerer from the representatives of the doctors felt that the quality of assistive

devices is good enough, two answerers replied that the quality is not adequate for daily

use. Some of the problems that were mentioned were that many wheelchairs have too

thin wheels that are not suitable for the Namibian environment (sand). Also generic

wheelchairs are not suitable for all individuals. Some answerers felt that having suitable

wheelchairs for children is nearly impossible. The maintenance and repair services are

almost nonexistent. These services are only found at the orthopaedic workshops in some

24

hospitals. Also the vast array of different models of wheelchairs in Namibia make the

availability of suitable spare parts very difficult.

‘’Many of our people who need wheelchairs are from the rural areas, so

the wheels are too thin, they sink in the sand and the person can’t really

use it.’’ (Doctor 4)

Physio- and occupational therapists and rehabilitation workers thought that the quality

of available wheelchairs differs between regions. The wheelchairs usually fill the qual-

ity standards. The tender that the government uses to purchase wheelchairs limits the

amount of different models of wheelchairs. The donated wheelchairs do not have cush-

ions, so in some occasions the families of the wheelchair users are instructed to make

the cushions themselves. There are currently no viscoelastic cushions available; these

cushions would reduce the amount of bedsores. The assessment of the suitability of a

wheelchair for the specific patient also differs between regions, depending on the

amount and expertise of staff in the region. In some cases the assessment is made based

on a photo of the patient.

‘’Sometimes we have to evaluate the right size of the wheelchair by a

photo of the patient.’’ (Physio- and occupational therapists and rehabilita-

tion workers 2)

Professionals working with assistive devices in private sector told about the wheelchair

process in the private sector: The patient is measured and the wheelchair is fitted. The

wheels, cushions and the weight of the wheelchair needed are evaluated and the wheel-

chair is ordered according to the measurement and evaluation. They also mentioned

about the quality of donated wheelchairs: these chairs have usually plastic parts that do

not last very long and there are not any spare parts available.

‘’The problem comes with wheelchairs that have a lot of plastic parts...

They don’t last in the first place and we can’t get the parts to fix them.’’

(Professional working with technical devices 1)

During the discussions with the other answerers one question that came up was about

donated wheelchairs. Many of the donated wheelchairs that people have are very old,

25

and this arouses the question whether the chair has been worn out in use or have the

donated chairs been second-hand goods. Some answerers also felt that the evaluation

and the instruction for the use of wheelchairs is not adequate. All the people do not have

right sized wheelchairs and this may cause problems such as the formation of a scoliosis

to the spine.

4.4 The equality between different groups of disabled people considering the

availability of assistive devices

The representatives of the ministry estimated that the availability of assistive devices is

equal between different groups of people. There are some differences in the services

available, depending on the region you live.

The representatives of the councillors told that the people with disabilities are seen

lower on the social level than healthy people although most of them could act and par-

ticipate as an active part of the society. People with disabilities are still not a very popu-

lar topic of discussion. To have a child that is disabled might be seen as a thing of

shame in Namibia, so in some cases the children with disabilities are hidden in the

homes. This leads to the social exclusion of the disabled children. This is also one rea-

son why there are no exact statistics or numbers of people with disabilities. If we want

to get people with disabilities to be an active part of the society, we have to reach all the

people with disabilities, give them information about their rights and raise their self-

esteem. It would be essential to increase the information about disability in many sec-

tors. It is also important to increase the number of technical devices and accessibility

around Namibia, especially in the rural areas.

Doctors agree that there isn’t enough knowledge about people with disabilities and in

most cases they are left out from the decisions that affect them. The situation has gotten

better since National Disability Council was established. The services for people with

disabilities have focused mainly to Windhoek, but people all over Namibia should have

the same opportunities for treatment and rehabilitation. Doctors thought that people

with disabilities are equal with other people but they are easily forgotten. Society ap-

proves people with disabilities but they don’t help enough, for example there are no

nursing homes for people with disabilities. It’s a good thing that people with disabilities

26

get allowances. Most of the people with disabilities are in the state care because of pov-

erty. They also don’t get employed easily. The children’s situation is usually worse,

children have problems to go to day care or schools and they don’t have wheelchairs

designed for their needs. Lorewo (in the Oshakati region) has been manufacturing some

wheelchairs for children but the production is on a small level.

‘’We don’t have data on how many people are bedridden somewhere in

the bush.’’ (Doctor 2)

Physio- and occupational therapists and rehabilitation workers mentioned that there are

several challenges in the question of equality. One theme that rose from the discussions

was the children’s opportunities to have suitable wheelchairs. Children get suitable

wheelchairs only from the Lorewo, if the child’s parents have enough money to pay for

it. Receiving wheelchairs for the children is a big a problem in Namibia and in many

cases they have to think alternative manners to help the child and the family.

Professionals working with assistive devices stated that there are a lot of people who

need assistive devices but do not necessarily get them because the lack of availability.

The other problem is with the people who are living in the southern or northern parts of

Namibia, they do not have the same opportunities to get assistive devices because lack

of transportation. Also they may not have enough money to obtain these services. When

it comes to ordering wheelchairs for children, there are some difficulties. The availabil-

ity of different models is poor and the delivery process takes a long time.

‘’The problem with children’s wheelchairs is the availability.’’ (Profes-

sional working with technical devices 1)

According to the MVA representatives, their services reach all over Namibia. They have

offices around the country. The only concern is when an accident happens in the rural

areas it might be difficult to reach the victims in time.

‘’Accidents, they happen in very remote areas and sometimes you can’t

just get to these people in time.’’ (The representatives of MVA)

27

Many of the other answerers said the equality varies between adults and children. Espe-

cially in the rural areas your opportunity to get assistive devices, treatment and rehabili-

tation is clearly weaker. There are no schools for children with disabilities in the rural

areas and many of the families do not know about the rights and services for the people

with disabilities. Furthermore distances are long and people with disabilities have no

money to travel, so that also creates difficulties in reaching the services. Many of the

answerers have never seen any children sized wheelchairs, many of them also said that

children only get adult-sized wheelchairs. In general all people with disabilities have the

same rights but you have to know your rights and hold on to them.

‘’The disabled children in the rural areas, they currently don’t do any-

thing because there’s no special schools for them.’’ (Other answerer 1)

4.5 The professionals working with assistive devices

The representatives of the ministry state that the lack of professionals in this sector is a

big challenge. Few of the Namibian people get employed in disability sector because

there’s no necessary education for that in Namibia. Besides, there is a lack of expertise

in the people who are working in this sector. Most of the physiotherapists and occupa-

tional therapists in Namibia are working in the private sector. Physiotherapy or occupa-

tional therapy education should be arranged in Namibia. If there were local training,

there would not be need for foreign labour. There would be a lot of work in this sector.

Also there is a lack of wheelchair technicians.

‘’Currently Namibia has a lot of physiotherapists and occupational thera-

pists, but most of the Namibians, they are in private. So I can say, 90 per-

cent of the physiotherapists and occupational therapists working in the

ministry, they are foreigners.’’ (Representative of the ministry 4)

The representatives of the councillors stated that in some regions there is clearly a lack

of physio- or occupational therapists. They had positive opinions about physiotherapy

education.

28

The doctors stated that there aren’t enough professionals working with people with dis-

abilities and assistive devices. The expertise of the professionals may not always be

adequate. Some answerers felt that physiotherapy education is definitely needed, also

local manufacturers and repairers for technical devices. Some of the answerers had

some doubts about the physiotherapy education in Namibia. They were wondering is it

financially sensible because the need for physiotherapy is limited and that the South-

African schools aren’t so expensive and not too far to travel to.

‘’Obviously it will be good if there’s something like that but whether it’s

financially viable I don’t know... The schools in South Africa are not that

expensive and they are good and it’s easy to travel to South Africa and

back.’’ (Doctor 1)

Physio- and occupational therapists and rehabilitation workers had a positive approach

on physiotherapy education in Namibia. Some answerers felt that foreign schools might

be too expensive for some people, and because of the high standards it is hard to get in.

All the answerers had the same opinion with the question of professionals working with

technical devices, there is a lack of them and it’s a challenge in Namibia. Also one prob-

lem is that most of the professionals are working in Windhoek. All the answerers

brought out that there are a lot of work in the disability sector.

Professionals working with technical devices mentioned that there is a fair number of

professional in this sector, but it is not enough for the whole country’s needs.

The other answerers felt that there should be more employees in this sector; in the main-

tenance of assistive devices, in the evaluation for suitability and correct size of technical

devices, and in teaching for the proper use of assistive devices. More professionals

should be trained, especially technicians and physiotherapists. Also many of the an-

swerers would like to have more doctors in Namibia. The private sector offers a better

income, which is why many professionals decide to work there rather than in the public

sector. Furthermore there were discussion that many people may not feel people with

disabilities as a priority, which may lead to the lack of services and professionals in this

sector.

29

4.6 Other matters that came out during the interviews

The representatives of the ministry feel that there should be wheelchair production in

Namibia. The one problem is that the ministry offers wheelchairs for free of charge.

That is why they have a doubt whether there are enough people who are willing to buy

an expensive wheelchair from a private company. But ministry and the company could

have cooperation between themselves. Many things should be taken into account, for

example the price of the manufactured wheelchairs, how high it would be considering

the market prices? Many of the African countries also manufacture wheelchairs (Kenya,

Malawi, Tanzania and Zimbabwe). One problem that came out also was that there are

currently no instructions written in Braille.

The representatives of the councillors think that many Namibians do not know much

about rehabilitation and its meaning for people with disabilities. They had a positive

attitude about manufacturing wheelchairs in Namibia.

The doctors stated that the need for wheelchairs and rehabilitation is great and growing

all the time. This need is not always acknowledged well. There should be more preven-

tive work done. What was also mentioned was that traffic accidents are causing a lot of

problems, and the motor vehicle accident fund doesn’t always function as well as they

claim, for example getting compensation takes a long time.

Physio- and occupational therapists and rehabilitation workers felt that a local wheel-

chair manufacturer would solve many problems with wheelchairs and their delivery

processes. The wheelchairs could be specifically made to last the Namibian environ-

ment. The delivery of wheelchairs would be quicker when all the wheelchairs would not

have to be ordered through South Africa.

The representatives of MVA mentioned the high number of traffic accidents that happen

in Namibia and the high cost of medical treatment. Speeding, driving under the influ-

ence and careless attitude in the traffic are some of the reasons for the high number of

the accidents. Most taxi drivers drive also recklessly and cause many accidents.

‘’The amount (money derived from the MVA fund) is very little compared

to what we are spending on daily basis... What we are getting now, it’s not

30

enough because the medical cost is so high these days and the accidents

just come up.’’ (The representatives of MVA)

Professionals working with technical devices in private sector thought that if Namibia

had a factory that would produce wheelchairs, the availability of wheelchairs would be

better. Also the lifespan of wheelchairs would be longer if the wheelchairs were de-

signed to last the Namibian environment (thick wheels, sturdy hull).

’’A company that can do wheelchairs, then that (delivery) is going to be

even faster… If Namibia can get a company, and in the same sense a com-

pany that uses materials that can last up in the north.’’ (Professional

working with technical devices 1)

’’If we could set up a factory together in the country locally, where we

could manufacture some of these wheelchairs, and so that they would be

less expensive so that many people could be able to afford. And we have

capable people that can do that.’’ (Other answerer 2)

31

5 CONCLUSIONS

The legislation concerning assistive devices for people with disabilities in Namibia is on

a good level but there is a need for further development, for example the accessibility

factor does not seem to function properly at this moment. Also the transportation and

maintenance services could be considered to be added in the legislation. The greatest

challenge is in the implementation of the legislation. This is a result of many reasons,

such as the long distances between cities and the centralization of services and authori-

ties to Windhoek. The co-operation between ministries and regional authorities does not

seem to function as well as it should. There is a lack of information with both sides. The

ministries do not necessarily know what’s going on in the regions, and the authorities in

the regions do not know the proper codes of conduct.

There are too few people working in the implementation, both nationally and locally.

The lack of funding is a problem that was mentioned in many interviews. It was not

clear, whether the government simply does not have more money to spend on this sec-

tor, or whether there is money but it is used in other sectors that are seen as more valu-

able.

The establishment of the National Disability Council has been a good thing for the im-

plementation, but it does not function yet as good as it could compared to the present

situation with people with disabilities in Namibia. Though it must be stated that the

Council was founded just a few years ago and it has only taken its first steps towards

better implementation of the legislation.

The process of acquiring a wheelchair is not standardized well. The ministry of health

makes a list of the people in need of a wheelchair, and the people get their wheelchairs

when there are chairs to be given, whether they are bought or donated. On many occa-

sions the given wheelchair is not suitable for the person in question or to the environ-

ment where the chair is used in. The number of repair and maintenance services for

wheelchairs is limited to the services of orthopaedic workshops of certain hospitals.

Also the vast array of different models of wheelchairs in Namibia make the availability

of suitable spare parts very difficult. Because of these reasons, the broken wheelchairs

are usually discarded (photo 3).

32

PHOTO 3: Discarded wheelchair hulls in Keetmanshoop Disability Resource Centre

(Photo: Kari-Pekka Sirkka 2012)

The wheelchairs are ordered abroad, usually from South-Africa, and the delivery proc-

ess is complicated and slow. In the Northwestern Regions of the country, clients buy

wheelchairs from the local rehabilitation project workshop Lorewo situated at Oshakati

hospital. This does not cover even the needs of Northern regions for the production is

not large enough. Because the government cannot offer everyone a suitable wheelchair,

some people receive donated wheelchairs from abroad. There are also problems with the

loaning process of the wheelchairs. It seems that some people do not return the wheel-

chair back to the hospital when they do not need it anymore. There is a small deposit

that the wheelchair user pays but it does not seem to be large enough to motivate all

patients to return the chair for further use.

The assessment of the suitability of a wheelchair for the specific patient also differs be-

tween regions, depending on the amount and expertise of staff in the region. In some

cases the assessment is made based on a photo of the patient. In hospitals there are or-

thopaedic departments that evaluate the need for a wheelchair and measure the patient.

The tender that the government uses to purchase wheelchairs limits the amount of dif-

ferent models of wheelchairs.

The quality of wheelchairs varies greatly. Many wheelchairs are not suitable for the

Namibian environment, for example they have too thin wheels that will sink in the sand.

Also generic wheelchairs are not suitable for all individuals. The quality of donated

wheelchairs is not sufficient considering everyday use. These wheelchairs usually have

problems with suitability, quality and maintenance.

33

The availability of technical devices is not entirely equal between different groups of

people. There are a lot of people who need technical devices but don’t get them because

the lack of availability. There are also differences in the available services, depending

on the region you live. The availability of suitable devices varies between adults and

children, situation with children being clearly worse. Also the situation is clearly

weaker with people living in the rural areas compared to people living in the urban ar-

eas. Many of the families in the rural areas do not necessarily know about these ser-

vices, which makes their situation even worse. Furthermore distances are long which

makes the reaching of these services quite difficult, especially if the people are poor.

Children with disabilities have problems in getting to day-

care or schools and they don’t have wheelchairs designed

for their needs. Lorewo (in the Oshakati region) has been

manufacturing some wheelchairs for children but the pro-

duction is on a small level. There are also problems in the

ordering process of children’s wheelchairs, for example the

duration of the ordering process is very long. The adult-

sized wheelchairs are not suitable for small children, and

the wheelchairs for small children are not suitable for big-

ger children (photo 4), as the bad postural support can lead

to various problems, such as formation of a scoliosis to the

spine.

PHOTO 4: A bad posture caused by a too small wheelchair

(Photo: Ilkka Pärmäkoski 2012)

It seems that the people with disabilities are seen lower on the social level than healthy

people although most of them could act and participate as an active part of the society.

People with disabilities are still not a very popular topic of discussion.

There are not enough professionals working with people with disabilities and assistive

devices in Namibia. This is most clearly seen in the public sector and areas outside of

Windhoek. Most of the professionals working with technical devices seem to choose the

private sector, mainly because of better income. This naturally reduces the amount of

professionals in the public sector. More employees are definitely needed in the disabil-

34

ity sector; in the maintenance of technical devices, in the evaluation for suitability and

correct size of technical devices, and in teaching for the proper use of technical devices.

There are no education possibilities available in the area of physio- or occupational

therapy in Namibia. The nearest country to study physiotherapy is South Africa, and

whether this arrangement is adequate for the present situation, there are many opinions.

Some interviewees felt that there are no available vacancies because the need for these

services is small. We disagree that the need would be small, the question is mainly

whether there are enough resources set in the field of physiotherapy. At the moment it

seems that there is not enough emphasis in this area, but there would definitely be more

work.

35

6 RECOMMENDATIONS

In this chapter we have collected some recommendations for the future work in the field

of disability and assistive devices. Some of the ideas came out during the interviews,

some are our own proposals that we have formed reflecting on the situation in Finland.

In Finland, the laws that guide the social and health services also guide the services for

assistive devices. Furthermore, there are special enactments that guide these services

(Petäkoski-Hult 1995, 21). Most of the services for assistive devices in Finland are led

by the Ministry of Health- and Social Services. The MOHSS prepares the legislation for

health- and social services and guides and monitors its implementation. However, the

main responsibility lies with the municipalities and municipal healthcare. In addition,

the insurance companies compensate the devices for the insured based on the Transport

and Accident Insurance Law. In addition, the employers can apply for assistive devices

and necessary modifications to the workstation so that the person with disabilities can

work despite his or hers disability (Hurnasti etc. 2012, 29-30.)

As Petäkoski-Hult etc. (2012) state when comparing Namibia’s and Finland’s differ-

ences between the legislation for assistive devices:

‘’In Finland there are more than 16 laws that ensure the availability of technical

devices for people who are in need of them. -- Regional authorities don’t have

any role in Finland in relation to the decision or delivery process of technical

devices. Municipalities as local actors have the largest responsibility in Finland.

States role is to establish laws and also follow-up the implementation of the

laws. At local level this duty is on municipalities’’ (Petäkoski-Hult etc. 2012,

24.)

It could be taken into consideration that Namibia could divide the responsibilities about

the implementation of the legislation to the municipalities and regional authorities. This

would involve more staff locally and make the cooperation easier between the govern-

ment and the local authorities, thus narrowing the differences considering the availabil-

ity of the services between Windhoek and the rural areas. In Finland every municipality

has its own disability council which is focused on enhancing the services and the rights

of people with disabilities in that municipality. It also monitors the implementation of

36

the disability policy locally. When the responsibility is divided also to the local authori-

ties, the implementation of the disability policy happens better in the whole country.

The National Disability Policy in Namibia should be also revised. The accessibility fac-

tor should be enforced, at the moment it is not fully executed. It should be monitored

more closely and made mandatory under a penalty of a fine. Transportation for people

with disabilities should be considered. Right now it is very difficult for a wheelchair

user to use public transportation, and reaching different services is a challenge. The ser-

vices for maintenance and repair for assistive devices could also be specified in the leg-

islation because these services are not fully available at the moment. The loaning of the

wheelchairs should be monitored better, at the moment there are functional or almost

functional wheelchairs that are corroding away in people’s homes. The deposit could be

made bigger, or there should be a fine that is to be charged if the device is not returned

to the government.

The process of acquiring technical devices could be simplified so that all the decisions

should not necessarily go through the ministry officials. This would be achieved when

the regions or municipalities had more responsibility. Accurate statistics would give

important data on the current situation and the needs of people with disabilities. With

statistics the development of these processes could be monitored much better. Also the

budget could be planned more accurately when there are precise numbers about the

need of devices.

The National Disability Council should have more resources all over Namibia. There

should be more local monitoring and cooperation with different sectors, such as health

care, local authorities and organizations of people with disabilities. The importance of

cooperation should be highlighted and developed between different sectors. More staff

should be hired to the different sectors that are responsible for services for people with

disabilities. Currently there is clearly an insufficient number of physio- or occupational

therapists in Namibia. It would be important that every municipality had a physio- or

occupational therapist because they are experts in the field of rehabilitation and mobility

devices. More professionals working with people with disabilities should be educated. If

there were local training, there would not be need for foreign labour.

37

It is good that there are also donated wheelchairs (photo 5), but on the other hand these

wheelchairs have problems considering the suitability for the user and the environment

it is used in. Furthermore these wheelchairs are not durable and there are no spare parts

available for them, so they offer only a temporary solution. The quality of the donated

wheelchairs should be monitored more closely and secondhand goods should not be

accepted.

PHOTO 5: A donated wheelchair (Photo: Kari-Pekka Sirkka 2012)

If we want to get people with disabilities to be an active part of the society, we have to

reach all the people with disabilities, give them information about their rights and raise

their self-esteem. It would be essential to increase the information about disability in

many sectors. The attitudes towards people with disabilities should be developed, for

that the self-esteem of the people with disabilities would grow and that they would be

integrated as an active part of the society. This is accomplished through raising aware-

ness about people with disabilities. The availability of assistive devices also enhances

the self-esteem by providing people with disabilities a way of independent mobility.

Special notice should also be taken with children with disabilities and their opportuni-

ties to participate in the society. Sometimes when a child with a disability is born, he or

she is being hid from the public. This is because of the embarrassment that is felt. This

should not definitely be this way.

There should be emphasis on the preventive work of disability, meaning that the num-

ber of traffic accidents should be lowered. According to the Motor Vehicle Accident

Fund (2012), the number of road accidents in Namibia in 2011 was 2902, of which 492

fatalities and 5659 injuries (Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, 2012.) In Finland on the

same year, the numbers were 6408 road accidents, of which 292 fatalities and 7931 inju-

38

ries (Tilastokeskus 2012, 8.) These statistics, when compared to the population between

these two countries, show the considerable amount of injuries and fatalities that happen

in the Namibian traffic. Based on the discussions with the MVA and from our own ex-

periences in the Namibian traffic, we have collected some points of development in the

following list:

- Speeding is very common in the traffic in Namibia, and usually the speeding is

considerably over the speed limit. There should be more resources for the police

to control the speed limits better.

- Animals wandering on the road cause many accidents. Fences that the animals

cannot pass should be set up all along the roads, especially in places where there

are known to be a lot of accidents because of animals.

- At the moment, driving after sunset is very dangerous, particularly because of

the wildlife that is wandering the roads. Lighting the roads would create more

safety on this matter.

- The condition of the roads is poor in some places, especially in the north, and

some of the roads are very narrow. There are also very few passing lanes. Ap-

parently, some of the roads have been built on top of sand without any base lay-

er. This creates problems especially in the raining season when the roads are un-

der a lot of stress. The roads need more maintenance. There should also be more

passing lanes, so that the passings would be safer.

- Driving under the influence of alcohol should be monitored better.

- All the people who get a driver’s licence do not attend to a driving school. Also

anybody can start a driving school without any previous qualification. Only

qualified driving instructors should be allowed to start a driving school. The

driving school should also be made mandatory for everyone.

- Anybody can become a taxi driver without any kind of qualification. Only quali-

fied taxi drivers should be allowed to become taxi drivers.

39

- Many vehicles are overloaded with people (photo 6). When these vehicles get

into an accident, many people are in danger of getting injured, or in worst case,

killed.

PHOTO 6: A dangerous method of travelling (Photo: Kari-Pekka Sirkka 2012)

40

7 DISCUSSION

To have an assistive device of mobility makes it possible for people to study, work, par-

ticipate in cultural life and access health care. People who are lacking independent mo-

bility may be confined to their homes and are unable to live a full and inclusive life.

People with disabilities have also to be taken account if we want to eliminate poverty

from the world. Lacking personal mobility aids, people with disabilities cannot leave

the poverty trap. They will most likely become more disabled and poorer still. If chil-

dren do not have means for mobility, they cannot access the educational opportunities

available for them and will be unable to find employment at adulthood. This drives

them even more deeply into poverty (WHO 2008, 22.)

The World Health Organization has documented on the World Report on Disability

(2011) ’’the environmental factors that restrict participation for people with disabili-

ties’’. These factors are:

- ‘’Inadequate policies and standards’’

- ‘’Negative attitudes towards people with disabilities’’

- ‘’Lack of provision of services’’

- ‘’Problems with service delivery’’

- ‘’Inadequate funding’’

- ‘’Lack of accessibility’’

- ‘’Lack of consultation and involvement’’

- ‘’Lack of data and evidence’’ (WHO 2011, 262-263.)

When the information received through the interviews is analyzed, it is clear that all of

the above-mentioned factors are true at some level in Namibia. The legislation and its

implementation need development, as well as all these factors. The development of

these matters starts from the improvement of attitudes by making the people with dis-

abilities a priority in the policy making. Through the enhancement of the services the

participation of people with disabilities will elaborate, thus improving the chances for

people with disabilities to be an active force in the society, and therefore making them

actually less disabled.

41

Because disability is not always an obstacle for work, many people with disabilities can

have a lot to give to society. The Lorewo project in Oshakati (photo 7) is also one ex-

ample how these people can be recruited into important areas. There should be more

opportunities of employment for people with disabilities. When the situation for people

with disabilities is developed, this development process employs professionals in many

sectors thus creating more job opportunities in Namibia.

PHOTO 7: The Lorewo project in Oshakati (Photo: Ilkka Pärmäkoski 2012)

There will always be born children with disabilities and they have to have equal oppor-

tunities to participate in the society as their healthy peers. With suitable assistive de-

vices and early rehabilitation we can improve the children’s development and growth.

One of the challenges that must be overcome in the nearby future is that the children

with disabilities should have chances for day care, school and recreational activities.

The Sunshine Centre in Walvis Bay was a great example how children with disabilities

have been taken into account in the Namibian society. In Sunshine Centre, children had

rehabilitation, education and daily activities arranged for them (photo 8). Many children

had achieved great results while being in the Centre, some of them could actually return

back to normal school after a few years. There should definitely be more chances for

this kind of activities around Namibia.

In this thesis we have listed some development ideas and recommendations for the fu-

ture work in Namibia and brought out some central matters surrounding this topic.

However it is also important to review this thesis and the methods used in this study, the

most important matters being the ethicality and the reliability. If we analyze the ethical-

ity and the reliability of this thesis, we have to consider the following matters. If a study

42

is not ethically valid it cannot be reliable, but ethical validity itself does not make the

study reliable (Tuomi & Sarajärvi 2009, 158-159). The ethicality of this study is evalu-

ated according to the matters that Tuomi etc. (2009) have presented. A good scientific

practice includes honesty, care and accuracy (Tuomi etc. 2009, 132-133). We have

strived to work in this manner the whole survey process. We have had the permission

from the Government of Namibia to carry out this study. We have also asked the per-

mission from each interviewee for the interview and the recording of the interview. We

have processed the information confidentially and have strived to interpret and analyze

the answers so that our own opinions and feelings would not affect them. The originali-

ty and authenticity of the data is brought forth by quotations from the interviews.

PHOTO 8: Rehabilitation in Sunshine Disability Centre, Walvis Bay (Photo: Ilkka

Pärmäkoski 2012)

A part of the examination of the study’s ethicality is to analyze what sources are used

and how they are used (Tuomi etc. 2009, 126). We have strived to use sources that are

original and as up-to-date as possible so that the reliability and ethicality remain. Fur-

thermore we have always brought out the original source, if the text has not been our

own, and when we have referred to previous studies, results or other sources.

According to Tuomi etc. (2009, 140-141), there are not any unambiguous instructions

for the evaluation of a qualitative study. However, he lists some instructions that show

how the reliability of a study can be evaluated. In his list he suggests to consider the aim

43

and the subject of the study, the data collection of the study, the informants of the study,

the relationship between the researcher and the informant and the ethicality of the study.

We studied how the legislation for assistive devices is implemented in Namibia. Our

partner in co-operation had coordinated the interviews with people that were seen sig-

nificant for this study. We also arranged some interviews with people whose names

came up in the earlier interviews. The total number of interviewees was 35 and they

represented different professions, which gave the study different perspectives about the

matter. Our study does not justify making any quantitative generalizations, but on the

other hand it is not the purpose of a qualitative study. All the results have been analyzed

confidentially and the personal details of the interviewees are not revealed.

The main data collection method was theme interviewing. During our journey in Na-

mibia the interviews developed into natural conversations, but still the comments of the

interviewees cannot be definitely proven truthful. Some of the interviewees may have

embellished their comments or they have left something unmentioned. However, we

believe that no-one has had the need to embellish their comments. Some of the inter-

views were group interviews that in some cases may not be ideal. This is because the

other interviewees’ comments and opinions may affect on the other interviewees com-

ments. (Hirsjärvi & Hurme 2009, 63).

We have described the original data and made conclusions from it without modifying it

by our own opinions or by coming up with our own results. All the interviews were rec-

orded so that the answers would remain in their original form thus allowing us to return

to the original source when analyzing the results. Furthermore, we observed the situa-

tion ourselves, when we visited hospitals in different regions and met some families of

people with disabilities. These observations supported the findings from the interviews.

If we look at the purpose and objectives of this study, that were presented in chapter 1,

and the results of this study, it would be appropriate to say that this thesis has reached

its objective. The assumptions that we had about this subject were mostly correct. We

answered in all of our research questions. The report that was one of the aims for this

study was approved by the municipality of Lempäälä and was sent to Namibia for

comments. Hopefully this report will be beneficial for the future development work in

Namibia. Many people in Namibia were very interested in our survey and the possible

44

future co-operation between Finland and Namibia concerning the manufacturing and

repairing of wheelchairs.

The possibilities for further study in this subject are within the matters that the PLDDSI

wants to focus on in the future, and in the resources that it has. It remains to be seen

whether there will be Finnish and Namibian cooperation for wheelchair production in

Namibia. One interesting topic for further study would be the rehabilitation services for

people with disabilities and the need for physiotherapy training in Namibia. The educa-

tion for physiotherapists could be started in cooperation with Finland. There are many

topics for further study because Namibia still has a lot of development in the social sec-

tor. Through the increase in awareness, information and communication these matters

can be developed more effectively. The improvement of the situation for people with

disabilities is one important matter alongside other tasks. When the people with disabili-

ties are integrated as a part of the society, the society itself will also prosper through the

increased equality between people.

It is important to remember that Namibia has only been independent for twenty-two

years, and the development of a nation is a long and slow process. Although we are

judging Namibia’s situation, we should remember that there are a lot of things that us

Finns can learn from the Namibians. For example Namibia’s way to grow organic meat

is something that the Finnish cattle breeders could learn in these times of intensive

farming. Also the Finnish mindset about working, that is concentrated only in the pro-

ductivity, could learn something about the Namibians relaxed way of life. This kind of

cooperation would be fruitful for both of our nations.

This project has been a very rewarding and unforgettable experience. The municipality

of Lempäälä and especially Tuula Petäkoski-Hult and Timo Palander deserve our deep-

est gratitude that we had the possibility to be a part in this project. The Tampere Univer-

sity of Applied Sciences has also helped us by participating in the funding of the jour-

ney. It was a wonderful experience to travel to Namibia and meet different people and

see a unique country. This project has had a meaningful aim, and it has been great to be

a part of it.

45

When we started to work this thesis, we did not even know each other. This project has

built a friendship between us that has been important in the success of the journey to

Namibia and in writing of this thesis. We hope that this project will help in the devel-

opment of the services for the people with disabilities in Namibia in the future.

46

REFERENCES

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Flags of the World. 2011. Namibia. Read 16.11.2012. http://flagspot.net/flags/na.html

Government of Namibia. 2012. Read 21.8.2012. http://www.grnnet.gov.na/

Harris, L. 2011. Registered people with disabilities in the Karas Region, Namibia. Disa-

bility Resource Centre. Namibia: Keetmanshoop.

Hirsjärvi, S. & Hurme, H. 2009. Tutkimushaastattelu. Teemahaastattelun teoria ja käy-

täntö. Helsinki: Helsinki University Press.

Hurnasti, T, Kanto-Ronkanen, A, Töytäri, O, Hakkarainen, M, Aarnikka, T. & Konola,

P. 2010. Apuvälinepalvelut teoksessa A-L. Salminen (toim.) Apuvälinekirja. Kouvola:

Kehitysvammaliitto ry, 29-52.

Local and regional government Finland. 2012. The North-South Programme. Partner-

ship for Local Democracy, Development and Social Innovation. Brochure. Municipality

of Lempäälä.

Ministry of foreign affairs of Finland. 2012. Read 21.8.2012. http://formin.finland.fi/

Motor Vehicle Accident Fund. 2012. Crash Archive 2008-2010. Read 24.8.2012.

http://www.mvafund.com.na/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=82

National Planning Commission. 2003. 2001 Namibia Population and Housing Census.

Read 23.8.2012.

http://www.npc.gov.na/publications/census_data/Final_Report_Namibia.pdf

Palander, T. Development director. 2011. Interviewed 6.9.2011. Interviewers

Pärmäkoski, I & Sirkka, K-P. Tampere University of Applied Sciences.

47

Petäkoski-Hult, T. 2011. Availability of technical devices in Namibia. Proceedings of

the XI European Congress of the European Federation for Research in Rehabilitation,

14-15.

Petäkoski-Hult, T. 2011. Interviewed 6.9.2011. Interviewers Pärmäkoski, I & Sirkka, K-

P. Tampere University of Applied Sciences.

Petäkoski-Hult, T. 1995. Vammaisten apuvälineiden hankintaprosessi, vaikutukset ja

kustannukset. Väitöskirja. Kuopion yliopisto: Terveyshallinnon ja –talouden laitos.

Petäkoski-Hult, T., Pärmäkoski, I. & Sirkka, K-P. 2012. Challenges for the development

of availability of technical devices and rehabilitation services for people with disabili-

ties in Namibia. Draft 22.8.2012

Promulgation of Motor Vehicle Accident Fund Act 28.12.2007/3970.

http://www.parliament.gov.na/acts_documents/80_3970_gov_notice_act_10.pdf

Promulgation of National Disability Council Act 28.12.2004/3360.

http://dredf.org/international/Namibia3.pdf

Salminen, A-L. 2010. Apuvälinetoimintaa edistämässä teoksessa A-L. Salminen (ed.)

Apuvälinekirja. Kouvola: Kehitysvammaliitto ry, 16-28.

Sitari, T. 2004. Johdanto. In Pikkarainen, M., T. Ranta, T. Sitari, & A. Vasanen (ed.)

Namibia – elämää kuivuuden keskellä. Turku: Turun maantieteellisen seuran julkaisuja

1. 11.

The Leonard Cheshire Disability and Inclusive Development Centre. University College

London. 2008. Namibia. In: Disability Policy Audit in Namibia, Swaziland, Malawi and

Mozambique. Final report. 6-20. http://www.safod.org/Policy%20Audit.pdf

Tilastokeskus. 2012. Tieliikenneonnettomuudet 2011. Read 24.8.2012.

http://www.liikenneturva.fi/www/fi/tilastot/liitetiedostot/Tieliikenneonnettomuudet_201

1.pdf

48

Tuomi, J. & Sarajärvi, A. 2009. Laadullinen tutkimus ja sisällönanalyysi. 8. painos.

Helsinki: Kustannusosakeyhtiö Tammi.

VSO International. 2012. Read 22.8.2012. http://www.vsointernational.org/where-we-

work/namibia.asp

Wienecke-Janz, D. (ed.). 2008. Maailmalla. Afrikka ja Oseania. WSOY: Saksa.

WHO. 2008. Guidelines on the provision of Manual Wheelchairs in less resourced set-

tings. Read 15.5.2012.

http://www.who.int/disabilities/publications/technology/wheelchairguidelines/en/index.

html

WHO. 2011. World report on disability. Read 15.5.2012.

www.who.int/disabilities/world_report/2011/en/index.html

WHO. 2012. Disabilities. Read 22.8.2012. http://www.who.int/topics/disabilities/en/

49

APPENDICES

Appendix 1. Interviewed professionals

Teacher of Polytechnic School of Health and Applied Sciences, Windhoek 20.2.2012

Professional working with technical devices, Windhoek 20.2.2012

Representatives Ministry of Health and Social Services, Windhoek 20.2.2012

Council of Churches in Namibia, Windhoek 21.2.2012

National Disability Council, Windhoek 21.2.2012

Professional working with technical devices, Windhoek 21.2.2012

The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, Windhoek 21.2.2012

The Principal from Vocational School (NIMT), Keetmanshoop 22.2.2012

The director of the Youth Centre, Keetmanshoop 22.2.2012

Private Doctor, Keetmanshoop 22.2.2012

The Disability Resource Centre, Keetmanshoop 22.2.2012

The representatives of Keetmanshoop Municipality, Keetmanshoop 22.2.2012

Sunshine Disability Centre, Walvis Bay 23.2.2012

Ex-Ambassodor of the Republic of Namibia to the Nordics, Swakopmunde 23.2.2012

Representative of Ministry of Health and Social Services, Windhoek 24.2.2012

Research Scientist, Windhoek 25.2.2012

Coordinator of Local Rehabilitation Workshop (Lorewo), Oshakati 27.2.2012

Physiotherapists working at the hospital, Onandjokwe 28.2.2012

Senior Physicians, Onandjokwe 29.2.2012

Windhoek State Hospital, Occupational therapist 2.3.2012

Windhoek State Hospital, Orthopaedic workshop 2.3.2012

Keetmanshoop hospital, a doctor and a rehabilitation worker 5.3.2012

Regional Health Officer, Windhoek 7.3.2012

50

Appendix 2. Covering letter for the interviewee

17.2.2012

Dear interviewee,

We are two physiotherapy students from Tampere University of Applied Sciences,

Finland. This interview is a part of our bachelor´s degree called The availability of tech-

nical devices for disabled people – Survey in Keetmanshoop, Ondangwa and Windhoek.

Our bachelor´s degree is supervised by Dr. Tuula Petäkoski-Hult and our lecturer Liisa

Sittig. We are co-operating with Finnish-Namibian municipal North-South programme

and Polytechnic of Namibia.

Objective of our survey is to study the implementation of legislation concerning techni-

cal devices for disabled people. Having information is vital for that the possible prob-

lems would be identified. The acquired information will also benefit the development of

the services in the future.

We ask you a permission for the use of a recorder during the interviews. Your personal

details will not be revealed during the study or after it, for the records will be destroyed

after the completion of this study. Possible pictures will be used only as material for the

project report. The final report documentation will respect anonymity and confidentiali-

ty.

We will provide further information concerning our project with pleasure and hope you

to contact us if you have questions about this survey. Our contact information will be

covered in the end of this letter.

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!

Sincerely,

Ilkka Pärmäkoski Kari-Pekka Sirkka

Physiotherapy student Physiotherapy student

ilkka.parmakoski@soc.tamk.fi kari-pekka.sirkka@piramk.fi

51

Appendix 3. Theme interview plan

The objective of this study is to survey how Namibia’s legislation concerning technical

devices is implemented in daily living, are people (ministry, doctors, rehabilitation pro-

fessionals) familiar with the legislation and what kind of problems do they see in the

legislation. The aim is also to research the availability of technical devices, their suita-

bility and quality. We will also find out about the number of health care professionals

working with technical devices for disabled people in Namibia.

People to be interviewed:

Participants are people who are working with technical devices in Namibia or making

administrative decisions about them. The list of interviewees will be designed, sched-

uled and added into the research plan.

Practical implementation:

The interviews in Namibia will be done within three weeks, two interviews per day. The

structure of the interviews will be sent for the participants beforehand if possible. Par-

ticipants can also contact us afterwards by e-mail.

Equipment needed for documentation:

A recorder, a digital camera and a laptop for documentation.

Documentation:

The interviews will be recorded. Permissions will be acquired if needed. We will photo-

graph the interviewee and surroundings. The interviews will be documented with a lap-

top and enough time for documentation must be reserved.

52

Location of interview:

The interviews will be held in the interviewee’s workplace or in his/her location of

choosing

Introduction:

Before beginning the interview the participant will be informed about the objective of

this study, what will the interview be used for and how the interview will proceed.

Having information is vital for that the problems concerning the implementation of leg-

islation and availability of technical devices would be identified. The acquired infor-

mation will also benefit the development of the services in the future.

Background form:

The background information of the interviewee will be asked at the beginning of the

interview; there will be no separate background form. The questions about the back-

ground are: Name, position, workplace and work experience in the current job.

A covering letter will be sent to the interviewee beforehand if possible. The covering

letter will contain information about the project and participants, the aim of the study

and where the information will be used. The themes of the interviews will also be cov-

ered in the covering letter.

53

Themes of the interview:

Different questions will be developed depending on the interviewee’s background.

Questions for the ministry and government officials:

1. The legislation

1. How well is the legislation implemented in practice? In other words: do all persons

with disabilities have full access to technical devices within their communities?

2. How is the implementation of the legislation followed up?

Is the current system sufficient?

3. Are there statistics about technical devices and disabled people?

Who gathers the data?

What is the information used for?

4. Is there something in the legislation that should be developed?

What would it be and why?

5. How has the National Disability Council succeeded in its tasks?

In which areas has the council succeeded or failed?

Is there something that could be done differently?

2. The availability of technical devices

1. Are there any matters that hinder the availability of technical devices?

What are the matters?

What is the best way to develop the availability of technical devices?

2. Should there be an increase in the production of technical devices in Namibia?

3. How does the funding of technical devices differ between people disabled in traffic

accidents compared to other forms of disability?

54

3. The quality of technical devices

1. How is the maintenance and repairment of technical devices organized?

Who covers the costs?

How the maintenance and repairment should be organized?

Has this been considered in the legislation?

4. The equality between different groups of disabled people considering the availa-

bility of technical devices

1. Does the availability of technical devices differ in different cities or between different

groups of people (unemployed, poor people etc.)?

5. The professionals working with technical devices

1. Is there sufficient number of employers working with technical devices compared to

the number of disabled people?

If not, which matters should be developed?

2. Should the education of professionals working with technical devices be in-

creased/started in Namibia?

For example do you think that there is need for physiotherapy education in

Namibia?

Specific questions for the National Disability Council:

- The National Disability Council has specific assignments that have been set in the Na-

tional Disability Act:

1: Monitor the implementation of the National Policy on Disability in the manner pro-

vided in the Act

2: Identify provisions in any law, which may hinder the implementation of the National

Policy on Disability and make recommendations in that regard

55

3: Advise any person responsible for the enforcement of existing legislation which pro-

vides for equal opportunities for all people in Namibia on the enforcement of the legis-

lation

4: Comment on proposed legislation which may affect persons with disabilities in any

manner

5: Consult with persons with disabilities, organizations of persons with disabilities and

organizations rendering services to persons with disabilities, and take any other steps in

order to obtain necessary information on the implementation of the National Policy on

Disability

6. Initiate amendments to the National Policy on Disability in order to ensure that it

takes account of changing circumstances

7: In general take all necessary steps in order to improve the situation of persons with

disabilities in Namibia

How has the Council succeeded in its tasks?

Have there been any problems with the assignments?

What is the cause of the problems?

How will the problems be solved?

Specific questions for the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA):

1. How does the legislation affect your activity? What tasks does the legislation assign

for you?

2. What do you think about the financial model, how does it work?

3. Does the insurance cover all kind of technical devices? For example devices for

communication etc?

56

4. Are there any limitations on the technical devices which can be given?

5. How could the number of accidents in Namibia be reduced?

6. What is the amount of money spent on technical devices? Do you have any statistics?

7. Do you keep statistics?

Money?

The number of given technical devices?

What kind of technical devices are given?

Questions for doctors and physiotherapists:

1. The legislation

1. How well do You know the legislation of Namibia concerning technical devices for

disabled people?

2. Is there something in the legislation that should be developed?

What would it be and why?

2. The availability of technical devices

1. How does the process of acquiring a technical device happen in practice?

2. How long does it take to have a technical device?

3. Are there any matters that hinder the availability of technical devices?

What are the matters?

What is the best way to develop the availability of technical devices?

4. Do children have equal opportunities to have technical devices compared to adults?

57

3. The quality of technical devices

1. Are the technical devices usually suitable for the person in question? For example is

the wheelchair size correct?

2. Does anyone evaluate the suitability of technical devices, for example the right size?

3. How is the maintenance and repairment of technical devices organized? Are you sat-

isfied with the present situation?

4. The equality between different groups of disabled people considering the availa-

bility of technical devices

1. Are all disabled people equal in the matter of having a technical device for their

needs?

5. The professionals working with technical devices

1. Is there sufficient number of employers working with technical devices compared to

the number of disabled people?

If not, which matters should be developed?

2. Should the education of professionals working with technical devices be in-

creased/started in Namibia?

For example do you think that there is need for physiotherapy education in

Namibia?

58

Common questions for all interviewees:

1. The legislation

1. How well do You know the legislation of Namibia concerning technical devices for

disabled people?

2. Is there something in the legislation that should be developed?

What would it be and why?

3. How has the National Disability Council succeeded in its tasks?

2. The availability of technical devices

1. How long does it take to have a technical device?

2. How does the process of acquiring a technical device happen in practice?

3. How is the funding of the technical devices fulfilled?

4. Are there any matters that hinder the availability of technical devices?

What are the matters?

What is the best way to develop the availability of technical devices?

5. Do children have equal opportunities to have technical devices compared to adults?

3. The quality of technical devices

1. What is Your opinion on the quality of technical devices in Namibia?

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4. The equality between different groups of disabled people considering the availa-

bility of technical devices

1. Are all disabled people equal in the matter of having a technical device for their

needs?

5. The professionals working with technical devices

1. Is there sufficient number of employers working with technical devices compared to

the number of disabled people?

If not, which matters should be developed?

2.Should the education of professionals working with technical devices be in-

creased/started in Namibia?

For example do you think that there is need for physiotherapy education in

Namibia?